Surf City (Tofino, B.C.)

It was overcast but mild today as we watched the surfers catching a wave at Pacific Rim National Park’s Long Beach.

“And we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now
Two girls for every boy…”

A couple of surfers are on the lookout for the right wave at Long Beach, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Long Beach is a great destination for surfers from around the world, even on overcast days..

Almost every other vehicle in this line heading to Tofino had a surfboard on top.

Jan and Dean were excited about going to Surf City, USA in 1963, but Betty & I were amazed when we arrived in Canada’s own surf city this week! From prior visits we were aware that the west coast of Vancouver Island attracted surfers to Pacific Rim National Park’s Long Beach. High waves regularly roll in on the wide sandy beaches, and the temperate climate makes the surf sustainable, especially with a standard wetsuit. But we didn’t realize just how popular the area has become!

The majestic Cathedral Grove trees are amazing! We were sorry that all stopping points in the area were closed.

From Parksville’s Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Betty & I headed on the twisty narrow road that heads through the majestic Cathedral Grove old growth rain forest. We were looking forward to a hike among the natural Gothic architecture. But possibly because of the coronavirus, the pull-outs along the road were all closed, so we had to press on.

Our motorhome had to breathe in to get through some of the narrow stretches on Highway 4.

As we approached the west side of the island, we came upon a major traffic bottleneck. A rockslide on Highway 4 completely closed road access to Ucluelet and Tofino in January of this year. Now the road is back in operation and being widened, but a lengthy stretch is reduced to one lane, which alternates direction every hour, and closes completely for a large portion of each day & night.

It’s difficult to get the full perspective, but this jack hammer is operating 6 stories up a solid rock face, bringing down the wall in order to widen the highway.

We were happy to reach our site (#9) at Ucluelet Campground, and especially glad to discover that we had water, sewer, and 30 amp. electrical service for $30./night.

From our campsite, we can watch the tide roll in and out, as the boats bob in the harbour.

On the small island in the middle of this picture is a group of sea lions that make their way up the coast from California each year. We can hear them bark for our campsite.

Betty & I enjoyed the sculptures outside the food truck in Ucluelet where we stopped for fish & chips. That’s a surfer passing behind her.

This one, hung with shells, provides a glimpse of the mountains beyond, hidden by low lying clouds.

I haven’t checked with the Ucluelet locals as to whether there is a rivalry with Tofino for the “Surf City” title. Surf shops and boards are ubiquitous in both locations, although Ucluelet is a little less busy/ more laidback.

Surf shops appear on almost every block in Tofino & Ucluelet. Many pedestrians walk the streets – most are in their 20s & 30s, with the majority appearing to be very physically fit.

There’s another board, hanging out the back of the truck in front of us.

Many of the local resorts cater to surfers from all over.

Our gps often took us to the end of the road. Thankfully we were in the Smart car & able to turn around.

Here is another pic of one of the geodesic domes shown in the last shot. They have a great view over the waters at Tofino.

In our winter travels from Manitoba, I always light up when we finally reach the southern palm trees: Paradise is at hand! Well, to the best of my knowledge, this southern end of Vancouver Island is the only climate in Canada that can sustain the beautiful palm tree. It’s great to see them again!

I likely have more pictures of palm trees than I need, but they make me smile…

Today, in addition to our drives through Tofino and Ucluelet, Betty & I stopped in Pacific Rim National Park, for a long walk on a Long Beach. Charlie loved it too, and as we watched the surfers catching a wave, we joined Jan and Dean in singing along with that old surfer song:

Tomorrow’s forecast is for blue skies & sunshine, but I couldn’t resist posting this cloudy pic anyway, as the sun tries to peak through. This is low tide at Long Beach, btw.

At low tide, there are miles & miles of sandy beach to walk along and contemplate life.

“…You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun…”

A surfer with a bright coloured board passes Betty & Charlie, heading in the other direction.

Cheers!

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